Cartagena port emerges as Latin America's premier export hub

Colombia's strategic shipping gateway

{reg}The Port of Cartagena Group (SPRC) has solidified its position as Colombia's primary export gateway, establishing connections with more than 840 ports across 140 countries. This achievement makes it the largest and most interconnected port in Latin America and the Caribbean, as reported by Seatrade Maritime.

SPRC manages three prominent port facilities and offers a comprehensive spectrum of port, transportation, and logistics services. Its subsidiaries encompass tugboat operations, river and land transportation, cruise operations, stevedoring, and various other logistics services, contributing to yearly corporate sales surpassing USD 370 million and a total container throughput exceeding 3 million TEUs.

In terms of volume, SPRC experienced a modest 6.5 percent reduction in total throughput in 2022, down to 3.14 million TEUs from the previous year's 3.36 million TEUs, which was regarded as a highly successful year.

Interestingly, despite the challenges posed, SPRC is on track to set new records in transshipment volumes this year. Imports have declined by 18 percent, while exports remain steady compared to the previous year. Notably, transshipment activity is showing remarkable growth, demonstrating the port's resilience in shifting market dynamics.

Cartagena serves as a pivotal hub for Hapag Lloyd in the region and is strategically significant for CMA-CGM, Maersk-Hamburg Sud, and ONE Line. Furthermore, Cosco and ZIM have initiated transshipment operations at Cartagena.

Despite disruptions faced by several port operators in the region, Cartagena appears to be maintaining its operational stability.

Since its expansion a few years ago, Cartagena has consistently experienced growth, even amidst the challenges of the pandemic. The need for further expansion remains evident, underlining its pivotal role in Colombia's trade landscape.[/reg]